The ribs are a part of the human body that help protect important organs such as the heart and lungs , being made up of 12 pairs of curved bones that are evenly paired in the chest.
Although there are myths that say that men have one pair of ribs less than women, it has been proven that both have the same amount, although there may be cases in which they are altered by genetic disorders.
The ribs, despite being resistant bones, can suffer injuries or traumas that alter their structure, causing pain in them or in nearby organs, and can even affect the functioning of the latter in extreme cases.
Know the importance of the ribs in your body and what kind of conditions or pain they can cause you.
Structure of the ribs
The ribs are strong bones connected to the spine of the body and grouped in pairs symmetrically on the chest. They are divided as follows:
- In the sternum, located in the front central part of the chest, are the seven pairs of main ribs , called sternal or true , which are connected to the sternum by means of cartilage that allow the ribs to expand and contract during breathing thanks to its flexibility.
- The next three pairs of ribs (8, 9 and 10), known as asternal or false , are connected to each other by a cartilage that is attached to the side of the seventh pair of ribs, although it does not connect directly to the sternum.
- The last two pairs of ribs (11 and 12), known as floating ribs , are the shortest and lowest of the rib cage and only cover the sides of the body.
What function do the ribs have in the body?
The ribs fulfill two main and important functions for the correct functioning of the body:
- They help protect the organs inside, including the heart, lungs, and tissues in the upper body, as well as the liver and kidneys (although the latter are not fully covered).
- They help shape the body, providing support to the internal organs, bones, and muscles located in the chest and back.
Main causes of rib pain
Rib pain can affect the performance of people regardless of their age, reflecting various acute and / or stabbing pains that can help determine its possible causes, standing out among these.
- Those linked to organs of the body, mainly the heart and lungs.
- Those derived from gastrointestinal disorders that affect the internal digestive tract of the thoracic cavity.
- Those caused by disorders in muscles or bones, product of injuries such as bone fractures or tension in muscles and ligaments.
- Those caused by lung or bone cancer.
1. Heart-related causes of rib pain
A heart attack can cause chest pain, which is usually accompanied by nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, and pain in the jaw, neck, shoulders, arms, and back. Likewise, there are other possible causes that can cause pain in the thoracic cavity related to the heart , among these are:
- Angina: it is pain triggered in the heart muscle by deficiencies in the supply of oxygen-rich blood, which can cause a heart attack, so it is important to consult with specialists for its treatment.
- Existing disorders in the heart valves: they are due to deficiencies that affect the optimal functioning of the heart valves. The common symptoms are mainly fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath and heart palpitations, there are cases in which these symptoms are minimal or even non-existent.
- Myocarditis: is a condition caused by an inflammation of the heart muscle, which can be caused by infections. It can occur in people of all ages and its symptoms are similar to flu or infections, including fever, pain in the joints and chest, shortness of breath and fatigue, however, there are asymptomatic cases.
- Pericarditis: is a sudden pain caused by inflammation of the pericardium, a thin covering that surrounds the heart. It can cause ailments in the middle or left side of the heart and spread to the arms, shoulders, jaw or neck, including in less common cases low fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs and feet.
2. Causes of rib pain related to the lungs
Lung diseases can cause pain in the rib cage due to shortness of breath and widening of the airways from inflammation. Among the most common causes are:
- Asthma : it is a disorder caused mainly by allergies, triggering inflammation of the airways and making breathing difficult. This condition can cause pain by obstructing the passage of air, tightening the muscles and forcing the person to force their breath under these conditions.
- Bronchitis : is a condition caused by inflammation of the bronchial tubes that allow air to pass from the trachea to the lungs. Common symptoms are similar to those of the flu, with this being a possible cause.
- Pneumonia : is an infection in the lungs that can cause pain when breathing or coughing. Among the most common symptoms, in addition to lung pain, are fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, and in some cases mucus. If left unchecked it can be fatal.
3. Causes of rib pain related to gastrointestinal disorders
Some conditions related to the digestive tract can cause pain in the thoracic cavity, among the most common are:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition caused by the accumulation of stomach acid in the esophagus, causing heartburn and difficulty swallowing.
- Peptic ulcer: it is a condition characterized by sores in the lower part of the esophagus, lining of the stomach or in the small intestine, causing severe pain in the areas near the ribs and stomach. Other less common symptoms are black stools, nausea, abnormal weight loss, and changes in appetite.
- Hiatal hernia: it is a condition in which a part of the stomach presses the diaphragm muscle into the thoracic cavity. Although they usually have no symptoms, it can cause chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and heartburn.
4. Causes of rib pain related to musculoskeletal disorders
Various conditions in the muscles and bones related to the rib cage, directly and indirectly, can cause pain in this part of the body. Among these conditions are mainly:
- Rib fracture : can cause sharp pain when breathing, coughing or sneezing, reddening and swelling the nearby area in some cases.
- Tightened muscles: caused by the stretching or partial tearing of an intercostal muscle, causing pain when moving, sneezing, breathing or coughing.
- Costochondritis : it is a condition caused by the inflammation of the cartilage located between the ribs, causing pain in the nearby areas, as well as in the back and abdomen.
- Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis: these are inflammatory conditions that affect the joints, including those located in the thoracic cavity.
- Pectus excavatum : is a disorder in which the sternum sinks towards the chest, generating pressure on the internal organs and in some cases pain and heart murmurs.
5. Cancer-related causes of rib pain
Although in the initial stages of bone and lung cancer they may not present symptoms, as they develop they can cause pain in various parts of the body, including the thoracic cavity.
Among the types of cancer that can cause these symptoms are the following:
- Lung cancer: although there is a great diversity of this type of cancer, they all tend to cause chest pain, cough, shortness of breath and fatigue.
- Bone cancer: It is one of the less common types of cancer, however, when it occurs it affects bones such as the ribs.
When to go to the doctor for rib pain?
Health is important, so all conditions that occur constantly should be evaluated by a specialist to avoid complications.
If you have suffered from rib injuries or wounds it is important to receive medical attention. A fracture can cause organs such as the heart or lungs to be perforated . The most common symptoms to look out for are:
- Tightness in the area of the thoracic cavity.
- Pain in the chest, abdomen, shoulders, back, neck, or jaw.
- Short of breath.
- Dizziness
- Sickness.
- Fatigue.
- Perspiration.
conclusion
The ribs are an important part of the body that protects and supports the organs contained within, helping to shape the chest.
Although the bones of the thoracic cavity are resistant, they are vulnerable to conditions and trauma that can cause acute pain in the ribs and chest, affecting the performance of the heart, lungs and tissues in general.
Pain in the thoracic cavity occurs progressively , so it is important to seek medical support when you begin to feel symptoms to avoid complications and damage to vital organs.
References
- Kahn, A. (2019). What Causes Rib Pain and How to Treat It. For Healthline. [Revised March 2020].
- Roland, J. (2020). What to Know About Your Ribs and Rib Pain. For Healthline. [Revised March 2020].
